Local Postpartum Depression Resources In The East Valley

Today I’m sharing my story about postpartum depression (PPD), and resources for moms who may be experiencing similar symptoms.

I am a mama of seven years to two beautiful boys. Unfortunately, my journey through the newborn stage with my first was overshadowed by a months-long fight with PPD.

I had struggled with anxiety, depression, and undiagnosed ADHD for years by the time that I had my first child, so it shouldn’t have been a huge shock to me when I started showing symptoms.  

But honestly, I didn’t know that what I was experiencing was so wrong. I incorrectly assumed that everyone suffered through the newborn stage.

If you are in the newborn stage yourself and feel like you are underwater, stick with me. 

Or, if you are currently pregnant or have a friend/sister who is pregnant, my best advice is: find resources for PPD while you’re still pregnant and hang it on the fridge. If you find you need support after the baby comes, it’s one less thing to research; you’ve already figured out where you want to go, who takes your insurance, etc. making it one less daunting task in helping yourself. 

XO,

Jackie

What is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?

PPD stands for postpartum depression. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “[PPD is] a type of depression that happens after having a baby and can affect up to 15% of people. People with postpartum depression experience emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, anxiety and may have trouble caring for their baby. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may appear within a week of delivery or gradually, even up to a year.” 

For me, PPD crept in within the first month after birth. 

As a first-time mom, I had a lot working against me and each roadblock during that newborn stage sunk me deeper and deeper. 

I had a colicky baby, a husband who was working 60+ hours a week, boobs that didn’t want to produce milk, a nonexistent support system, and a lot of drama within my family of origin. 

I truly felt like I was mere feet from falling off the edge of a cliff. I didn’t want to be a mom at all. I wanted to run away every single day.

What does PPD look like?

For me, PPD looked like:

-Severe anger towards my baby

-Constant sensory overload

-Crying multiple times a day

-Panic attacks when my baby woke up from naps

-Insomnia

-Disconnection with my baby

Other symptoms can include: 

-Feeling sad, worthless, hopeless or guilty.

-Worrying excessively or feeling on edge.

-Changes in appetite or not eating.

-Trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time.

-Difficulty thinking or focusing.

-Thoughts of suicide or wishing you were dead.

-Lack of interest in your baby or feeling anxious around your baby.

-Thoughts of hurting your baby or feeling like you don’t want your baby.

What do I do if I think I have PPD?

Personally, I went to my birth provider and was immediately prescribed Zoloft which started having a positive effect within a week. Shortly after, I began going to therapy on a weekly basis which changed my life forever. 

If you are still within the first few months postpartum, you can go to your OB/GYN or midwife to get a diagnosis and medication. 

Although, from my experience, your birth provider may not be able to do more than confirm your PPD and prescribe Zoloft. 

Is there Postpartum Depression Support Near Me

If you are needing additional support or medication or if you are further out from your birth, I would highly recommend finding a psychiatrist and/or therapist. Although, the wait to be seen by these professionals can be longer. See our Self Care Guide for recommendations for therapists, support groups and psychiatry resources for moms, but here’s the highlights of those recommendations:

• Arizona Chapter of Postpartum Support International (Arizona Chapter of Postpartum Support International (psichapters.com)).
• WHI Arizona: Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona is a licensed outpatient treatment center specializing in the mental health needs in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. All their therapists are trained by Postpartum Support International with their Executive Director serving as a national trainer with PSI. They offer individual, group and couples counseling. WHI also supports your parenting needs specializing in young children birth to 6.
• Paperflower Psychiatry: A holistic and inclusive practice specializing in psychiatric evaluations and medication for ages 5+ in Arizona.  Sometimes psychiatric services can be intimidating but we value a more relaxed, authentic, humble and casual approach in which we can have a conversation, laugh, and figure out a solution together. 

Where to get help with postpartum depression

There is hope. I promise that what you are feeling is not forever. You have friends and family that love you; so reach out for help and let them hold you and your baby. 

With my second son, I was able to identify my PPD and get medication and support immediately. I was able to lean on my husband and friends and the change was huge.

This is not your fault. What you are experiencing is not due to the fact that you are a bad mom, an unqualified mom, or a weak mom. Your brain is trying its best in a fight against sleep deprivation, hormones, changing routines, and sensory overload.

If at any point you do not feel safe and feel like you may harm yourself or your baby, call for help. If you cannot access any friends or family for immediate help, you can call 9-1-1 and they will come help you.

You are safe. You are loved. It will get better.

If you’re experiencing postpartum anxiety, these same resources can help you, too. Read one local mom’s story of navigating postpartum anxiety here. 

Postpartum Depression: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)